So, as previously written, Saturday night was the Festival of Lights party aboard Layton's campaign plane.

It is a long flight from Vancouver to Toronto and amusement is a necessity.

Rosemary Barton

But apart from the Chinese outfits and food, there was also, wait for it, karaoke. In this case, a complicated system hooked up to the plane's PA system.

Of course, someone had to go first and because television reporters are generally hams and, I would say, good sports, that turned out to be me. (The song: "Knock on Wood.")

After the karakoe, it was time for the sing-song. There are four guitars on board and Layton led the singing with such classics as "You Can't Hurry Love" and "Imagine."

But it was Layton's blues song that was the most telling — an improvised ditty called "The Campaign blues."

It was telling not because Layton is down, but rather because we're only half way through this election campaign.

Eventually, the music had to end. Afterall, Layton is releasing his platform Sunday morning and he had a speech to practise.

— Rosemary Barton